Shannon Welch
About Shannon Welch
Shannon Welch is the VP, Editorial Director at Penguin Random House, with a background in acquiring a broad range of books and extensive experience in major publishing houses.
Current Role at Penguin Random House
Shannon Welch currently serves as the Vice President and Editorial Director at Penguin Random House. In this role, she oversees the editorial direction for a diverse range of book categories, bringing her extensive experience in the publishing industry to one of the world's largest publishing companies.
Previous Roles at HarperOne, Simon and Schuster, and Rodale
Before joining Penguin Random House, Shannon Welch worked at HarperOne Publishers as an Executive Editor from 2018 to 2021. Prior to this, she held the same title at Simon and Schuster from 2012 to 2017, and at Rodale from 2007 to 2012. During these tenures, she gained considerable experience in developing and acquiring books across various genres.
Tenure at NYU–Poly
From 2003 to 2007, Shannon Welch worked as an Adjunct Writing Professor at NYU–Poly. In this academic role, she instructed and mentored writing students, sharing her expertise in creative writing and literature.
Educational Background
Shannon Welch holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, completed from 2000 to 2002. This program is known for its rigorous and prestigious curriculum. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature/Letters from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she studied from 1994 to 1998.
Career in Major Publishing Houses
Shannon Welch has an extensive background in the publishing industry, having worked in various editorial roles at major publishing houses. She has held positions such as Executive Editor at HarperOne, Simon and Schuster, and Rodale, and Senior Editor at Scribner. Her career includes significant experience in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater New York City Area.